2013 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · BJ63 MPX

A significant concern is the excessive wear recorded on the off‑side rear anti‑roll bar linkage ball joint during the July 2025 MOT, a major safety‑critical failure that required immediate rectification, while the same year also saw a series of advisory notes on tyre condition and wheel distortion. Apart from that isolated failure, the vehicle has otherwise passed its MOTs without recorded defects, and the most recent test in July 2026 confirmed a clean result, suggesting that no further failures have been logged since the suspension issue was highlighted. With 67,593 mi logged over a 13‑year lifespan, the average annual accumulation is roughly 5,200 mi, which is well below the typical usage for a compact hatchback of this age. The consistent yearly MOT cadence shows no prolonged gaps in testing, indicating the car has been driven regularly enough to be inspected each year. Low mileage can mean reduced wear on high‑frequency components such as brake pads and clutch, but it does not eliminate the possibility of age‑related degradation in rubber bushings, seals and corrosion‑prone areas, especially where the suspension linkage has already shown significant wear. Prospective buyers should give the rear suspension a thorough hands‑on appraisal. On a low‑speed drive, listen for clunking or knocking noises when the car traverses bumps or when the steering is turned sharply, as these can betray a worn ball joint or deteriorated anti‑roll bar mounts. Visually inspect the rear rear‑track for uneven tyre wear, especially on the near‑side rear tyre that has been flagged repeatedly for being out of shape and close to the legal limit; any cupping or feathering may point to underlying suspension misalignment. Check the condition of the off‑side front and rear wheels for the slight distortion noted in 2024; a wheel that is out‑of‑round can cause vibration and uneven tyre wear, so a professional wheel‑balancing and possibly a machining or replacement should be considered. Finally, verify that the registration plate is still legible and securely fixed, as the 2024 advisory noted deterioration, and confirm that the tyre sidewalls are free from cracks or bulges before committing. A full mechanical inspection that includes a suspension component check, wheel run‑out measurement and tyre depth assessment will clarify whether the earlier anti‑roll bar failure has been remedied and whether the recurring tyre advisories have been addressed, providing a realistic picture of the car’s current roadworthiness.